Eval Tool

Functional Reach Test

New release

Therapy Insights Member Exclusive

Print Resource — US Letter — 4 pages

Population:

Adult

Discipline:

Diagnosis:

Balance/Vestibular/Falls

References:

Duncan, P. W., Weiner, D. K., Chandler, J., & Studenski, S. (1990). Functional reach: a new clinical measure of balance. Journal of gerontology, 45(6), M192-M197.
Rosa, M. V., Perracini, M. R., & Ricci, N. A. (2019). Usefulness, assessment and normative data of the Functional Reach Test in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 81, 149-170.
Omaña, H., Bezaire, K., Brady, K., Davies, J., Louwagie, N., Power, S., ... & Hunter, S. W. (2021). Functional reach test, single-leg stance test, and tinetti performance-oriented mobility assessment for the prediction of falls in older adults: a systematic review. Physical therapy, 101(10), pzab173.
Duncan, P. W., Studenski, S., Chandler, J., & Prescott, B. (1992). Functional reach: predictive validity in a sample of elderly male veterans. Journal of gerontology, 47(3), M93-M98.

Use this resource to administer and score the Functional Reach Test as a brief measure of dynamic standing balance and limits of stability. Includes standardized setup and administration instructions, safety considerations, scoring guidance, and evidence-informed interpretation to support clinical decision-making. This printable eval tool is for occupational therapists working with adult patients, covering Balance/Vestibular/Falls. Print Resource, US Letter, 4 pages. Members can view and print it.

Use this resource when a patient, family, or colleague asks:

How should I interpret a Functional Reach Test score?
How do I administer the Functional Reach Test consistently?
How do I measure forward reach for dynamic standing balance?

Want access to this printable resource and hundreds more? Subscribe to Therapy Insights.

Subscribe to get instant and easy access to handouts, therapy materials, and clinical tools so that you can spend your valuable time doing what you do best: Connecting with your patients and changing lives for the better.

Subscribe now

Already subscribed to Therapy Insights? Log in to access this member exclusive.